Sunday, February 09, 2014

The myth of the self-made man

Over the last few weeks we’ve been regaled with the wit and wisdom
of several of America’s billionaires trying to defend the .01%. In every case,
they’ve managed to put their $2,000 Berluti loafers in their mouths. Tom Perkins
likened critics of the very wealthy to Nazis. Another said the rich were rich
because they simply work harder. And then there’s Donald Trump, who’s every
utterance is coated with disdain for the everyday man and woman.

What you don’t hear is humility. Not an ounce. Their message
to the world is I got what I got by my own sweat and blood, so leave me alone.
The reality is quite different. My tax dollars, and yours, helped these “self-made
men” all through their lives, whether they admit it or not. And do we get a
thank you? Hey, Mr. Billionaire, Let me ask you a question:

Did you go to public school?

Did you attend college?

Do you drive on roads and highways and bridges?

Does your business rely on the nations highways, railways,
waterways or airways?
Have you ever flown in an airplane?